§ MR. KENNEDYTo ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in September 1894, Major-General C. S. Hutchinson, R.E., reported on the condition of the Royal Canal, Ireland, and corroborated the complaints of the boat-owners and traders which led to that inquiry; and whether, seeing that similar complaints are now made, he will direct an official inspection of the Royal Canal, to investigate those complaints, and to report whether the recommendations contained in Major Hutchinson's Report have been carried into effect.
(Answered by Mr. Bonar Law.) Yes, Sir, it is the case that in 1894 General Hutchinson reported on the condition of this canal to the effect stated. In the following year a further inspection was made by the late Sir Francis Marindin, who also reported to a similar effect. Inspections have since been made by the Irish Board of Works. The Board of Trade have received no recent complaints of the condition of the canal, but if such complaints were addressed to the Department the Board would be prepared to consult with the Irish Office on the question of a further inspection.